CN113167817A

CN113167817A - Probe needle

Info

Publication number: CN113167817A
Application number: CN201980082659.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小出知明
Original assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-13
Filing date: 2019-12-09
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-09
Also published as: JPWO2020122006A1; WO2020122006A1; JP7095753B2

Abstract

The invention provides a probe for performing characteristic inspection of a connector, which comprises a flange, a housing, a first plunger, a first elastic body, a second plunger and a second elastic body, wherein an opening part for allowing a probe pin electrically connected with a coaxial cable to pass through is formed at the bottom of the second plunger, the second plunger can move between a first position at which the tail end of the probe pin protrudes from the opening part and a second position at which the tail end of the probe pin is arranged at the base end side of the opening part, the first elastic body and the second elastic body are arranged to be partially overlapped with each other in the axial direction of the housing, and the first plunger is provided with a partition wall for separating a part where the first elastic body and the second elastic body are overlapped.

Description

Probe needle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a probe for performing characteristic inspection of a connector.

Background

Conventionally, a probe for inspecting characteristics of a connector as an object to be inspected has been disclosed (for example, see patent document 1).

The probe of patent document 1 is a probe for inspecting characteristics of a coaxial connector, and particularly, a probe for inspecting characteristics of a multipolar connector in which a plurality of terminals are provided so as to flow a plurality of signals. The probe of patent document 1 includes a plurality of center conductors that can be simultaneously brought into contact with a plurality of terminals of a multipolar connector.

Patent document 1: international publication No. 2016/072193

In a probe of a connector, it is required to improve accuracy of characteristic inspection of a terminal. When a plurality of center conductors are simultaneously brought into contact with a plurality of terminals as in the probe of patent document 1, positional displacement between the terminals and the center conductors occurs, and accuracy of characteristic inspection is liable to be lowered. There is a demand for the development of a technique capable of inspecting the characteristics of a terminal with higher accuracy, including the probe as disclosed in patent document 1.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a probe capable of inspecting the characteristics of a terminal of a connector with higher accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, a probe according to the present invention is a probe for inspecting characteristics of a connector, including: a flange having a through hole; a housing having a base end portion as one end portion and a tip end portion as the other end portion, the housing being inserted through the through hole of the flange and enclosing the coaxial cable to extend in the axial direction, the base end portion being capable of fitting into the through hole; a first plunger attached to the distal end portion side of the housing with respect to the through hole; a first elastic body which is attached between the first plunger and the flange and can bias the first plunger and the flange in a direction away from each other; a second plunger attached to the distal end portion of the housing and held in a state of being relatively movable with respect to the first plunger; and a second elastic body that is attached between the second plunger and the first plunger and is capable of biasing the second plunger in a direction away from the first plunger, wherein an opening is formed in a bottom portion of the second plunger, the opening allows a probe pin electrically connected to the coaxial cable to pass therethrough, the second plunger is movable between a first position at which a tip of the probe pin protrudes from the opening and a second position at which the tip of the probe pin is disposed on the base end side of the opening, the first elastic body and the second elastic body are disposed so as to partially overlap each other in the axial direction of the housing, and the first plunger has a partition wall that partitions a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap.

According to the probe of the present invention, the characteristic inspection of the terminal of the connector can be performed with higher accuracy.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a probe in embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the probe in embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the probe in embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the distal end portion of the probe pin in embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 1 (a partially enlarged view of fig. 3).

Fig. 6A is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 1 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion H in fig. 6B).

Fig. 6B is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 1.

Fig. 7A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 1.

Fig. 7B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 1 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion I in fig. 7B).

Fig. 8A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 1.

Fig. 8B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 1 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion J in fig. 8B).

Fig. 9A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 1.

Fig. 9B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 1 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion K in fig. 9B).

Fig. 10 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the probe in embodiment 1.

Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of the probe in embodiment 2.

Fig. 12A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view (initial state) of the probe in embodiment 2.

Fig. 12B is an enlarged view of a portion F of fig. 12A.

Fig. 13A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 2.

Fig. 13B is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 2 (an enlarged view of a portion G in fig. 13A)

Fig. 14A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 2.

Fig. 14B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 2 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion H in fig. 14A).

Fig. 15A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 2.

Fig. 15B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 2 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion I in fig. 15A).

Fig. 16A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in the recess in embodiment 2.

Fig. 16B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an operation of disposing the connector in embodiment 2 in the recess (an enlarged view of a portion J in fig. 16A).

Detailed Description

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a probe for performing a characteristic inspection of a connector, comprising: a flange having a through hole; a housing having a base end portion as one end portion and a tip end portion as the other end portion, the housing being inserted through the through hole of the flange, the housing enclosing the coaxial cable and extending in an axial direction, the base end portion being capable of fitting into the through hole; a first plunger attached to the distal end portion side of the housing with respect to the through hole; a first elastic body which is attached between the first plunger and the flange and can bias the first plunger and the flange in a direction away from each other; a second plunger attached to the distal end portion of the housing and held in a state of being relatively movable with respect to the first plunger; and a second elastic body that is attached between the second plunger and the first plunger and is capable of biasing the second plunger in a direction away from the first plunger, wherein an opening through which a probe pin electrically connected to the coaxial cable passes is formed in a bottom portion of the second plunger, the second plunger is capable of moving between a first position at which a tip of the probe pin protrudes from the opening and a second position at which the tip of the probe pin is disposed closer to the base end portion than the opening, the first elastic body and the second elastic body are disposed so as to partially overlap each other in the axial direction of the housing, and the first plunger has a partition wall that partitions a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap.

According to such a configuration, the first elastic body and the second elastic body are arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction of the housing, and the entire length of the probe can be shortened. By shortening the entire length of the probe, the tip of the probe can be prevented from being displaced in a direction intersecting the axial direction when the connector contacts the bottom of the second plunger. Thus, the probe pin can be brought into contact with the terminal of the connector with higher accuracy, and the characteristic inspection of the terminal of the connector can be performed with higher accuracy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to the first aspect, wherein the first elastic body is disposed inside the second elastic body at a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap. According to such a configuration, the first elastic body can be designed to have a small dimension in the lateral direction and a short length in the longitudinal direction. In addition, compared with the structure that the first elastic body is arranged on the outer side of the second elastic body, the design that the first elastic body is lengthened is easy. By extending the first elastic body, the sliding amount of the entire probe due to the expansion and contraction of the first elastic body can be ensured to be longer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to the second aspect, wherein the first plunger includes: an inner protruding portion protruding inward from the partition wall and receiving the first elastic body; and an outer protrusion protruding outward from the partition wall and receiving the second elastic body, wherein the inner protrusion is provided closer to the distal end of the housing than the outer protrusion. According to such a structure, the first elastic body and the second elastic body can be received and separated from each other by a simple structure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to the first aspect, wherein the first elastic body is disposed further outside than the second elastic body at a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap. According to such a configuration, the second elastic body can be designed to have a small dimension in the lateral direction and a short length in the longitudinal direction. In addition, compared to a configuration in which the first elastic body is disposed inside the second elastic body, the area of contact between the first elastic body and the flange is increased, and therefore the entire probe is less likely to tilt in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first plunger includes: an outer protrusion protruding outward from the partition wall and receiving the first elastic body; and an inner protruding portion protruding inward from the partition wall and receiving the second elastic body, wherein the inner protruding portion is provided closer to the base end portion of the housing than the outer protruding portion. According to such a structure, the first elastic body and the second elastic body can be received and separated from each other by a simple structure.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a length of the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlapping in the axial direction is set to be longer than a length of the second elastic body in the axial direction which does not overlap with the first elastic body, in a state before the connector is brought into contact with the bottom portion of the second plunger. With such a structure, the entire length of the probe can be further shortened.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a length of the overlap in the axial direction between the first elastic body and the second elastic body before the contact of the connector with the bottom portion of the second plunger is 1/3 or more of a length of the first elastic body and 1/3 or more of a length of the second elastic body. With such a structure, the entire length of the probe can be further shortened.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein in a state before the connector is brought into contact with the bottom portion of the second plunger, the second plunger is located at the second position, and an elastic force of the first elastic body is set to be smaller than an elastic force of the second elastic body. According to such a structure, the first elastic body starts to be compressed earlier than the second elastic body. The compression of the second elastic body is delayed with respect to the compression of the first elastic body, and the timing at which the probe pin protrudes from the opening portion of the second plunger can be delayed. This can suppress positional displacement between the terminal of the connector and the probe pin, and prevent the probe pin from being erroneously damaged by contact with the connector when the connector is guided, thereby enabling the characteristic inspection of the terminal of the connector to be performed with higher accuracy.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein an elastic coefficient of the first elastic body is set to be larger than an elastic coefficient of the second elastic body. According to such a configuration, after the start of compression of the second elastic body, compression of the second elastic body can be preferentially generated over compression of the first elastic body.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the first elastic body and the second elastic body are both springs. With this configuration, the spring load and the length can be easily adjusted, and the degree of freedom in design is high.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the probe according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the first elastic body and the second elastic body are compressed to be shorter than respective natural lengths in a state where the second plunger is located at the second position. According to such a configuration, the elastic bodies are compressed, and thus the first elastic body and the second elastic body can be held in a state in which they are positioned with high accuracy, as compared with a case in which either one of the first elastic body and the second elastic body has a natural length.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(embodiment mode 1)

Fig. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams showing the structure of a probe 2 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the probe 2, fig. 2 is a side view of the probe 2, and fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe 2.

The probe 2 is an inspection tool for inspecting the characteristics of the connector 3. The connector 3 of embodiment 1 is a multipolar connector having a plurality of terminals. The probe 2 includes a plunger 4, a coaxial cable 6, a flange 8, a housing 9, a first elastic body 10, a second elastic body 12, and a measurement connector 13.

The plunger 4 includes a first plunger 14, a second plunger 16, and a third plunger 23 (fig. 3). The first plunger 14, the second plunger 16, and the third plunger 23 are members mounted around the housing 9.

The first plunger 14 is a member that separates the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12. As shown in fig. 3, the first plunger 14 includes a partition wall 14A, an inner protrusion 14B, and an outer protrusion 14C.

The partition wall 14A is a portion that partitions the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12, and has a cylindrical shape extending parallel to the axial direction a of the housing 9. The inner projecting portion 14B is a portion projecting radially inward from the partition wall 14A. The radially inner side means the inner side in the direction intersecting the axial direction a, i.e., the lateral direction (the direction orthogonal to the axial direction a in embodiment 1). The outer protrusion 14C is a portion protruding radially outward from the partition wall 14A. Radially outward means a direction intersecting the axial direction a, i.e., laterally outward. The inner protrusion 14B is provided on the distal end side in the axial direction a with respect to the outer protrusion 14C. In embodiment 1, the inner protruding portion 14B is provided at the distal end portion of the partition wall 14A, and the outer protruding portion 14C is provided at the proximal end portion of the partition wall 14A.

The second plunger 16 is a member that is held at the distal end side in the axial direction a with respect to the first plunger 14 so as to be movable relative to the first plunger 14. The second plunger 16 is attached to the distal end portion 21 of the housing 9 via a third plunger 23.

The second plunger 16 includes a fitting portion 16A and a connecting portion 16B. The fitting portion 16A is a member for fitting with the connector 3. The fitting portion 16A has a bottom portion 32 to be fitted to the connector 3. The connecting portion 16B is a member for connecting the fitting portion 16A and the third plunger 23. The fitting portion 16A is press-fitted to the connecting portion 16B and is movable integrally with the connecting portion 16B.

A recess 17 for fitting the connector 3 is formed in the bottom 32 of the fitting portion 16A. The detailed structure of the periphery of the recess 17 will be described later.

A plurality of coaxial cables 6 are inserted into the housing 9. The coaxial cable 6 is a rod-shaped member electrically connected to the measurement connector 13. The coaxial cable 6 is also electrically connected to a probe pin 18 described later, and has a function of passing a signal between the probe pin 18 and the measurement connector 13.

The flange 8 is a member for attaching the probe 2 to a predetermined device (not shown). As the equipment, for example, there is a sorter or the like for sorting the printed circuit board mounted with the connector 3 based on the result of the characteristic inspection of the connector 3. As shown in fig. 3, the housing 9 is inserted through and fitted to the flange 8. Specifically, the flange 8 is formed with a through hole 20, the through hole 20 is formed with an inclined surface inclined so as to become narrower downward and inward, and a base end portion 22 of the housing 9 is fitted into the through hole 20.

The housing 9 is inserted into and fitted into the through hole 20 of the flange 8, and holds the first plunger 14 and the like. The housing 9 encloses the coaxial cable 6, is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction a, and includes a distal end portion 21, a proximal end portion 22, and a cylindrical portion 24.

A third plunger 23 is press-fitted into the tip portion 21. The second plunger 16 is held at the tip portion 21 via the third plunger 23.

The proximal end portion 22 is inserted into the through hole 20 of the flange 8 and fitted thereto. The base end portion 22 has an outer surface inclined so as to narrow inward toward the lower side, corresponding to the inclined surface of the flange 8 forming the through hole 20.

The cylindrical portion 24 is a portion extending between the distal end portion 21 and the proximal end portion 22. The first elastic body 10 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 24.

The first elastic body 10 is an elastic body provided between the flange 8 and the first plunger 14. The first elastic body 10 urges the flange 8 and the first plunger 14 in a direction (axial direction a) away from each other. The first elastic body 10 in embodiment 1 is in a state of being compressed in the axial direction a in the state shown in fig. 3, and is shorter than the natural length. The first elastic body 10 in the compressed state has an elastic force F1 to be extended toward a natural length. The spring force F1 acts as a biasing force that biases the flange 8 and the first plunger 14 in a direction away from each other.

The base end portion of the first elastic body 10 is press-fitted into and fixed to a recess provided in the lower surface of the flange 8. The distal end portion of the first elastic body 10 abuts against the inner protruding portion 14B of the first plunger 14.

The second elastic body 12 is an elastic body provided between the first plunger 14 and the second plunger 16. The second elastic body 12 urges the second plunger 16 in a direction (axial direction a) away from the first plunger 14. Like the first elastic body 10, the second elastic body 12 is compressed in the axial direction a in the state shown in fig. 3 and is shorter than the natural length. The second elastic body 12 in the compressed state has a spring force F2 that tends to extend to a natural length, and the spring force F2 functions as an urging force that urges the second plunger 16 in a direction away from the first plunger 14.

The base end portion of the second elastic body 12 abuts against the outer side projection 14C of the first plunger 14. The distal end portion of the second elastic body 12 abuts against the fitting portion 16A of the second plunger 16.

As shown in fig. 3, the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are arranged to partially overlap in the axial direction a of the housing 9. This can shorten the entire length of the probe 2. In embodiment 1, the first elastic body 10 is disposed inside the second elastic body 12.

The first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 in embodiment 1 are both helical springs. The first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 each have elastic coefficients k1 and k2, respectively, and in the fitted state shown in fig. 3, contract amounts x1 and x2 are reduced from the natural length. The elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 can be estimated as a value obtained by multiplying the elastic coefficient k1 by the contraction amount x 1. Similarly, the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12 can be estimated as a value obtained by multiplying the elastic coefficient k2 by the contraction amount x 2. The elastic modulus is also referred to as "elastic modulus" or "elastic constant". The magnitudes of the spring force F1 of the first elastic body 10 and the spring force F2 of the second elastic body 12 can be determined by, for example, observing which of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 is displaced before applying a load thereto. For example, when the first elastic body 10 is displaced first, the elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 can be determined to be smaller than the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12.

In the case of the spring, the spring force and the length can be easily adjusted, the degree of freedom of design is high, and convenience can be improved. Furthermore, the spring constant of the spring may be replaced by a "spring constant".

In embodiment 1, the elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 is set to be smaller than the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12. Specifically, the elastic coefficient k1 and the contraction amount x1 of the first elastic body 10, and the elastic coefficient k2 and the contraction amount x2 of the second elastic body 12 are set so that the elastic force F1 is smaller than the elastic force F2. According to such a setting, as will be described later, when the connector 3 is placed in the recess 17 and the connector 3 is fitted to the second plunger 16, the first elastic body 10 is compressed first to slide the entire housing 9, and then the compression of the second elastic body 12 is delayed to project the probe pin 18. This can delay the timing of contact between the probe pin 18 and the connector 3, and can prevent the probe pin 18 from being erroneously damaged by contact with the connector 3. The details will be described later.

The probe pins 18 are members that are brought into contact with and electrically conducted to the terminals of the connector 3. The probe pin 18 is disposed inside the third plunger 23. The probe pin 18 is surrounded by the resin 27, and the probe pin 18 is positioned inside the third plunger 23. In the cross section shown in fig. 3 and the like, the portions other than the distal ends of the probe pins 18 are hidden by the resin 27, but in a different cross section, the probe pins 18 extend to positions connected to the substrate 26 located above.

The substrate 26 is a member for electrically connecting the probe pin 18 and the coaxial cable 6. The substrate 26 has a wiring for electrically connecting the coaxial cable 6 and the probe pin 18 when the pitch of the coaxial cable and the pitch of the probe pin 18 are different from each other, and the coaxial cable 6 and the probe pin 18 are connected to the wiring. When the pitch and the number of the coaxial cables 6 are the same as those of the probe pins 18, the coaxial cables 6 and the probe pins 18 may be in direct contact without providing the substrate 26.

The other end (tip) of the probe pin 18 is disposed in the vicinity of the opening 28 provided in the bottom 32 of the second plunger 16. The opening 28 is an opening formed in the recess 17. In the state shown in fig. 3, the tip of the probe pin 18 is disposed inside the opening 28 and is not exposed to the outside from the opening 28.

The second plunger 16 is movable between a first position at which the tip of the probe pin 18 protrudes from the opening 28 and a second position at which the tip of the probe pin 18 is disposed inside (on the base end 22 side) the opening 28. In fig. 3, a state in which the second plunger 16 is in the second position is shown.

Returning to fig. 1, the measurement connector 13 is a connector for connecting the coaxial cable 6 to an external measurement device (not shown). In embodiment 1, a plurality of measurement connectors 13 are provided.

Next, the relationship between the probe pins 18 and the terminals of the connector 3 will be described with reference to fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the periphery of the distal end of the probe pin 18, corresponding to an initial state shown in fig. 3 in which the proximal end portion 22 of the housing 9 is fitted into the through hole 20 of the flange 8.

As shown in fig. 4, a plurality of terminals 3a are provided in the connector 3. When the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17, the position of the probe pin 18 is set so that the tip of the probe pin 18 can contact the terminal 3 a. Thereby, the plurality of probe pins 18 are simultaneously brought into contact with the plurality of terminals 3a of the connector 3, and the characteristic inspection of each terminal 3a can be simultaneously performed.

As shown in fig. 4, a recess 17 for fitting the connector 3 is formed in the bottom 32 of the second plunger 16. The bottom 32 of the second plunger 16 has an outward shape recessed inward by the recess 17.

The recess 17 of embodiment 1 is formed by the bottom wall 34, the first side wall 36, and the second side wall 38 of the second plunger 16. The bottom wall 34 is a wall portion of the second plunger 16 constituting a bottom surface of the recess 17. The first side wall 36 is a side wall that rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 34 so as to be orthogonal to the bottom wall 34. The second side wall 38 is a side wall standing from the periphery of the first side wall 36. The second side wall 38 in embodiment 1 extends so as to expand radially outward in a direction away from the first side wall 36. The second side wall 38 having such a shape functions as a guide portion for guiding the connector 3 to the inside of the recess 17.

Next, a method of arranging the connector 3 in the recess 17 and inspecting the characteristics of the terminal 3a will be described with reference to fig. 5 to 9B. Fig. 5 to 9B are vertical sectional views showing an operation of disposing the connector 3 in the recess 17. Fig. 5, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A are enlarged views of fig. 3, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B, respectively.

As shown in fig. 5, first, the connector 3 is brought close to the recess 17 (arrow B). Thereby, as shown in fig. 6A, the connector 3 starts to contact with the second side wall 38 of the second plunger 16 (right side in the drawing).

As described above, the second side wall 38 has a tapered shape that is inclined so as to narrow inward. Thereby, the connector 3 in contact with the second side wall 38 is guided to the inside of the recess 17 (arrow C).

At this time, an upward external force Fp acts on the second plunger 16 due to the contact with the connector 3. The external force Fp acts as a force that further compresses the second elastic body 12 that is in contact with the fitting portion 16A of the second plunger 16, and at the same time acts as a force that further compresses the first elastic body 10 that is in contact with the first plunger 14.

Here, the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 each have elastic forces F1 and F2 in a compressed state. When the external force Fp is larger than either of the elastic force F1 and the elastic force F2, either of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 starts to be further compressed. As described above, in embodiment 1, the elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 is set to be smaller than the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12. Therefore, the first elastic body 10 starts to be compressed earlier than the second elastic body 12.

Fig. 6B shows a state in which the first elastic body 10 is compressed. When the first elastic body 10 is compressed, as shown in fig. 6B, the components such as the housing 9, the first plunger 14, the second plunger 16, and the third plunger 23 rise integrally with the flange 8 (arrow D).

The fitting between the base end portion 22 of the housing 9 and the through hole 20 of the flange 8 is released by the raising of the housing 9. This allows the housing 9 and its surrounding components to change their postures according to the position of the connector 3. Specifically, the housing 9 and its surrounding components can rotate in the circumferential direction R around the axial direction a.

On the other hand, in a stage where the external force Fp is larger than the elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 but smaller than the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12, the second elastic body 12 is not compressed. Therefore, the second plunger 16 does not move relative to the first plunger 14 and the third plunger 23, and the state of being supported by the third plunger 23 is maintained.

At this point, the second plunger 16 is in a second position relative to the first plunger 14. That is, the probe pin 18 is disposed inside the opening 28 of the concave portion 17 and does not protrude outside the opening 28. Thereby, the tip of the probe pin 18 is in a state of being unable to contact the terminal 3a of the connector 3. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the probe pin 18 from being damaged by contact with the connector 3 while the connector 3 is guided in the recess 17.

Then, as shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the connector 3 is positioned at a predetermined measurement position of the recess 17. More specifically, the connector 3 is disposed at a position surrounded by the bottom wall 34 and the first side wall 36 shown in fig. 4, and is adjacent to the opening 28.

When the connector 3 is pressed further upward with respect to the second plunger 16 in this state, the external force Fp further increases and exceeds the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12. Thereby, the compression of the second elastic body 12 is started.

Fig. 8A and 8B show a state in which the second elastic body 12 is compressed. When the second elastic body 12 is compressed, the second plunger 16 moves in the axial direction a so as to approach the first plunger 14 and ascends (arrow E). Thereby, the connecting portion 16B of the second plunger 16 that is in contact with the third plunger 23 moves upward so as to be separated from the third plunger 23.

The probe pin 18 is held integrally with the base plate 26 and the third plunger 23 with respect to the rise of the second plunger 16, and the vertical position of the probe pin 18 is maintained. The second plunger 16 moves from a second position at which the distal end of the probe pin 18 is disposed inside the opening 28 to a first position at which the distal end of the probe pin 18 protrudes from the opening 28.

As shown in fig. 8A, due to the rise of the second plunger 16, the tip of the probe pin 18 is exposed from the opening 28 of the recess 17, and abuts against the terminal 3a of the connector 3. In this way, the probe pins 18 are brought into contact with the terminals 3a of the connector 3, and the coaxial cable 6 is electrically conducted to the plurality of terminals 3a of the connector 3 via the probe pins 18, whereby the characteristic inspection of the respective terminals 3a can be performed simultaneously.

In the state shown in fig. 8A, the bottom of the third plunger 23 is not in contact with the connector 3 inside the fitting portion 16A of the second plunger 16.

Fig. 9A and 9B show a state in which the second plunger 16 is further lifted. In the state shown in fig. 9A, 9B, the bottom of the third plunger 23 is in contact with the connector 3. In this state, a load in the upward direction based on the connector 3 acts not only on the second plunger 16 but also on the third plunger 23.

In embodiment 1, in particular, the elastic modulus k1 of the first elastic body 10 is set to be greater than the elastic modulus k2 of the second elastic body 12. With such a setting, after the start of compression of the second elastic body 12, the second elastic body 12 having a smaller elastic modulus k2 is compressed preferentially over the first elastic body 10 having a larger elastic modulus k 1. In this way, the compression of the second elastic body 12 can be preferentially generated with respect to the compression of the first elastic body 10, and the probe pin 18 can be brought into contact with the terminal 3a of the connector 3 more reliably.

Further, in the probe 2 according to embodiment 1, the respective lengths of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are examined. Specifically, description will be given with reference to fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an initial state before the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17. As shown in fig. 10, with respect to the length in the axial direction a, the first elastic body 10 has a length D1, and the second elastic body has a length D2. The length D1 is obtained by subtracting the contraction amount x1 from the natural length of the first elastic body 10, and the length D2 is obtained by subtracting the contraction amount x2 from the natural length of the second elastic body 12. As described above, the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are partially arranged repeatedly in the axial direction a, and the repetition length is D3. By providing the repetition length D3 of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 in this way, the overall length of the probe 2 can be shortened as compared with the case where the repetition length D3 is not provided.

If the entire length of the probe 2 is increased, the distal end of the probe 2 is likely to be displaced in the lateral direction when the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17, and the connector 3 is not likely to be positioned. In contrast, the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are partially overlapped in the axial direction a to shorten the entire length of the probe 2, thereby facilitating positioning of the connector 3. This can improve the accuracy of the characteristic inspection of the terminal 3a of the connector 3.

Further, in embodiment 1, the repetition length D3 of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 is set to be longer than the length D4 of the second elastic body 12 that does not overlap with the first elastic body 10. By setting such a length, the entire length of the probe 2 can be further shortened.

When the repetition length D3 is set, the length D1 of the first elastic body 10 may be 1/3 or more and the length D2 of the second elastic body 12 may be 1/3 or more. Alternatively, the natural length (> D1) of the first elastic body 10 may be set to 1/3 or more and the natural length (> D2) of the second elastic body 12 may be set to 1/3 or more. Even when the length is set in this manner, the entire length of the probe 2 can be shortened.

In embodiment 1, as described above, the first elastic body 10 is disposed inside the second elastic body 12 at the portion where the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 overlap in the axial direction a. With such a design, the lateral dimension of the first elastic body 10 can be reduced and the longitudinal length of the second elastic body 12 can be reduced. Further, since the outer side protrusion 14C of the first plunger 14 can be disposed apart from the flange 8, a sufficient moving distance can be secured when the first elastic body 10 is compressed and the housing 9 or the like is relatively raised with respect to the flange 8. In addition, compared to a configuration in which the first elastic body 10 is disposed outside the second elastic body 12, it is easy to design the first elastic body 10 to be longer. By extending the first elastic body 10, the sliding amount of the entire probe 2 due to the expansion and contraction of the first elastic body 10 can be ensured to be longer. Further, since the outer protrusion 14C is less likely to interfere with the first elastic body 10, the probe 2 is easily and smoothly slid.

As described above, the probe 2 according to embodiment 1 includes the flange 8, the housing 9, the first elastic body 10, the second elastic body 12, the first plunger 14, and the second plunger 16. In such a configuration, the bottom portion 32 of the second plunger 16 is formed with an opening 28 through which the probe pin 18 electrically connected to the coaxial cable 6 passes. The second plunger 16 is movable in the axial direction a between a first position at which the distal end of the probe pin 18 protrudes from the opening 28 and a second position at which the distal end of the probe pin 18 is disposed inside the opening 28. The first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are disposed so as to partially overlap each other in the axial direction a of the housing 9, and the first plunger 14 has a partition wall 14A that partitions the overlapping portion of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12.

According to such a configuration, the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction a, and the entire length of the probe 2 can be shortened. By shortening the entire length of the probe 2, it is possible to suppress the tip of the probe 2 from being displaced in the direction intersecting the axial direction a when the connector 3 is brought into contact with the bottom portion 32 of the second plunger 16. This enables the probe pins 18 to be brought into contact with the terminals 3a of the connector 3 with higher accuracy, and enables the characteristic inspection of the terminals 3a of the connector 3 to be performed with higher accuracy.

The first plunger 14 has an inner protrusion 14B protruding inward from the partition wall 14A and receiving the first elastic body 10, and an outer protrusion 14C protruding outward from the partition wall 14A and receiving the second elastic body 12. The inner protrusion 14B is provided closer to the distal end portion 21 of the housing 9 than the outer protrusion 14C. According to such a structure, the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 can be received and the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 can be separated from each other by a simple structure.

In a state before the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17 of the second plunger 16 (in a state where the housing 9 is fitted to the flange 8), the second plunger 16 is at the second position, and the spring force F2 of the second elastic body 12 is set to be greater than the spring force F1 of the first elastic body 10.

According to such a configuration, the spring force F2 of the second elastic body 12 is set to be larger than the spring force F1 of the first elastic body 10, and when the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17 of the second plunger 16 and presses the second plunger 16, the first elastic body 10 is compressed first. This releases the fitting between the housing 9 and the flange 8, and allows the housing 9 to approach a desired posture and the connector 3 to be guided to the inside of the recess 17. Further, the compression of the second elastic body 12 is delayed with respect to the compression of the first elastic body 10, thereby delaying the timing at which the probe pin 18 comes into contact with the terminal 3a of the connector 3. This can suppress positional deviation between the terminals 3a of the connector 3 and the probe pins 18, and prevent the probe pins 18 from being erroneously damaged by contact with the connector 3 when the connector 3 is guided.

(embodiment mode 2)

The probe 40 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 11 to 16B. In embodiment 2, the point different from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. The same or equivalent structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

First, the structure of the probe 40 will be described with reference to fig. 11 to 12B. Fig. 11 is a side view of the probe 40 according to embodiment 2, fig. 12A is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe 40, and fig. 12B is a partially enlarged view of fig. 12A.

The probe 40 according to embodiment 2 is mainly different from the probe 2 according to embodiment 1 in that the first elastic body 42 is disposed outside the second elastic body 44.

As shown in fig. 12A, the first resilient body 42 and the second resilient body 44 are separated by a first plunger 46. The first plunger 46 has a partition wall 46A, an outer protrusion 46B, and an inner protrusion 46C. The partition wall 46A is a portion extending in the axial direction a of the housing 48 so as to partition a portion where the first elastic body 42 and the second elastic body 44 overlap. The outer protruding portion 46B protrudes radially outward from the partition wall 46A, and the inner protruding portion 46C protrudes radially inward from the partition wall 46A. The outer protruding portion 46B is provided at the distal end portion of the partition wall 14A, and the inner protruding portion 46C is provided at the proximal end portion of the partition wall 14A. That is, the inner projecting portion 46C is provided on the base end portion side in the axial direction a with respect to the outer projecting portion 46B.

The first elastic body 42 is disposed between the flange 8 and the first plunger 46. The first elastic body 42 is in a state of being compressed in the axial direction a in the state shown in fig. 12A, and has an elastic force F3 to be extended to a natural length. The elastic force F3 can be estimated as a value obtained by multiplying the elastic coefficient k3 by the contraction amount x 3.

The base end portion of the first elastic body 42 is press-fitted into and fixed to a recess provided in the lower surface of the flange 8. The distal end portion of the first elastic body 42 abuts against the outer protrusion 46B of the first plunger 46.

The second elastic body 44 is disposed between the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 16. The second elastic body 44 is compressed in the axial direction a in the state shown in fig. 12A, and has an elastic force F4 to extend toward a natural length. The elastic force F4 can be estimated as a value obtained by multiplying the elastic coefficient k4 by the contraction amount x 4.

The base end portion of the second elastic body 44 abuts against the inner protruding portion 46C of the first plunger 46. The distal end portion of the second elastic body 44 abuts against the connecting portion 16B of the second plunger 16.

In embodiment 2 as well, the elastic coefficient k3 and the contraction amount x3 of the first elastic body 42 and the elastic coefficient k4 and the contraction amount x4 of the second elastic body 44 are set so that the elastic force F3 of the first elastic body 42 is smaller than the elastic force F4 of the second elastic body 44.

With the above-described configuration, the probe 40 according to embodiment 2 can operate in the same manner as the probe 2 according to embodiment 1. Specifically, description will be given with reference to fig. 13A to 16B. Fig. 13A to 16B are vertical sectional views showing an operation of disposing the connector 3 in the recess 17. Fig. 13B, 14B, 15B, and 16B are partial enlarged views of fig. 13A, 14A, 15A, and 16A, respectively.

In the initial state shown in fig. 12A and 12B, the connector 3 does not contact the bottom portion 32 of the second plunger 16, and neither the first elastic body 42 nor the second elastic body 44 receives a compression load from the connector 3. At this time, the second plunger 16 is at the second position where the distal end of the probe pin 18 is disposed inside the opening 28.

As shown in fig. 12B, first, the connector 3 is brought close to the recess 17 (arrow F). Thereby, as shown in fig. 13B, the connector 3 starts contact with the second side wall 38 of the second plunger 16 (right side in the drawing).

The connector 3 in contact with the second side wall 38 is guided to the inside of the recess 17 (arrow G).

At this time, an upward external force Fq acts on the second plunger 16 due to contact with the connector 3. The external force Fq acts as a force that further compresses the second elastic body 44 in contact with the fitting portion 16A of the second plunger 16, and at the same time acts as a force that further compresses the first elastic body 42 in contact with the first plunger 46.

As described above, in embodiment 2, the spring force F3 of the first elastic body 42 is set to be smaller than the spring force F4 of the second elastic body 44, as in embodiment 1. Therefore, the first elastic body 42 starts to be compressed earlier than the second elastic body 44.

Fig. 13A shows a state in which the first elastic body 42 is compressed. When the first elastic body 42 is compressed, as shown in fig. 13A, the components such as the housing 48, the first plunger 46, the second plunger 16, and the third plunger 23 rise integrally with the flange 8 (arrow H).

The fitting between the base end portion 22 of the housing 48 and the through hole 20 of the flange 8 is released by the raising of the housing 48. This allows the housing 48 and the surrounding members to change their postures according to the position of the connector 3. Specifically, the housing 48 and its surrounding components can rotate in the circumferential direction R about the axial direction a.

On the other hand, in a stage where the external force Fq is larger than the elastic force F3 of the first elastic body 42 but smaller than the elastic force F4 of the second elastic body 44, the second elastic body 44 is not compressed. Therefore, the second plunger 16 does not move relative to the first plunger 46 and the third plunger 23, and the state of being supported by the third plunger 23 is maintained.

At this point, the second plunger 16 is in a second position relative to the first plunger 46. That is, the probe pin 18 is disposed inside the opening 28 of the concave portion 17 and does not protrude outside the opening 28. Thereby, the tip of the probe pin 18 is in a state of being unable to contact the terminal 3a of the connector 3. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the probe pin 18 from being damaged by contact with the connector 3 while the connector 3 is guided in the recess 17.

Then, as shown in fig. 14A and 14B, the connector 3 is positioned at a predetermined measurement position of the recess 17.

When the connector 3 is pressed further upward with respect to the second plunger 16 in this state, the external force Fq further increases and exceeds the spring force F4 of the second elastic body 44. Thereby, the compression of the second elastic body 44 is started.

Fig. 15A and 15B show a state in which the second elastic body 44 is compressed. When the second elastic body 44 is compressed, the second plunger 16 moves and ascends in the axial direction a so as to approach the first plunger 46 (arrow I). Thereby, the connecting portion 16B of the second plunger 16 that is in contact with the third plunger 23 moves upward so as to be separated from the third plunger 23.

As shown in fig. 15A, due to the rise of the second plunger 16, the tip of the probe pin 18 is exposed from the opening 28 of the recess 17 and abuts against the terminal 3a of the connector 3. In this way, the probe pins 18 are brought into contact with the terminals 3a of the connector 3, and the coaxial cable 6 is electrically conducted to the plurality of terminals 3a of the connector 3 via the probe pins 18, whereby the characteristic inspection of the respective terminals 3a can be performed simultaneously.

In the state shown in fig. 15B, the bottom of the third plunger 23 is not in contact with the connector 3 inside the fitting portion 16A of the second plunger 16.

Fig. 16A and 16B show a state in which the second plunger 16 is further lifted. In the state shown in fig. 16A, 16B, the bottom of the third plunger 23 is in contact with the connector 3. In this state, a load in the upward direction based on the connector 3 acts not only on the second plunger 16 but also on the third plunger 23.

As described above, the spring force F4 of the second elastic body 44 is set to be larger than the spring force F3 of the first elastic body 42, so that when the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17 of the second plunger 16 and presses the second plunger 16, the first elastic body 42 is compressed first. This releases the fitting between the housing 48 and the flange 8, and the housing 48 can be brought into a desired posture, and the connector 3 can be guided to the inside of the recess 17. In addition, the compression of the second elastic body 44 is delayed with respect to the compression of the first elastic body 42, thereby delaying the timing at which the probe pin 18 comes into contact with the terminal 3a of the connector 3. This can suppress positional displacement between the terminal 3a of the connector 3 and the probe pin 18, and prevent the probe pin 18 from being erroneously damaged by contact with the connector 3 when the connector 3 is guided.

In addition, as in embodiment 1, the first elastic body 42 and the second elastic body 44 are disposed so as to partially overlap in the axial direction a, and the entire length of the probe 2 can be shortened. This can suppress the tip of the probe 40 from being displaced in the direction intersecting the axial direction a when the connector 3 is brought into contact with the bottom portion 32 of the second plunger 16. This enables the probe pins 18 to be brought into contact with the terminals 3a of the connector 3 with higher accuracy, and enables the characteristic inspection of the terminals 3a of the connector 3 to be performed with higher accuracy.

Further, in embodiment 2, the first elastic body 42 is disposed outside the second elastic body 44. With such a design, the lateral dimension of the second elastic body 44 can be reduced and the longitudinal length of the first elastic body 42 can be reduced. Further, the dimension in the lateral direction of the first elastic body 42 is larger than the dimension in the lateral direction of the second elastic body 44, so that the verticality of the housing 48 can be ensured with higher accuracy by the first elastic body 42. That is, compared to the configuration in which the first elastic body 10 is disposed inside the second elastic body 12 as in embodiment 1, the area of the first elastic body 42 in contact with the flange 8 is increased, and therefore the entire probe 40 is less likely to be inclined in the lateral direction.

Further, in embodiment 2, the first plunger 46 has an outer protrusion 46B that protrudes outward from the partition wall 46A and receives the first elastic body 42, and an inner protrusion 46C that protrudes inward from the partition wall 46A and receives the second elastic body 44. The inner protruding portion 46C is provided closer to the base end of the housing 48 than the outer protruding portion 46B. According to such a structure, the first elastic body 42 and the second elastic body 44 can be received and the first elastic body 42 and the second elastic body 44 can be separated from each other by a simple structure.

The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments 1 and 2, but the present invention is not limited to embodiments 1 and 2. For example, in embodiments 1 and 2, a case where the plurality of coaxial cables 6 and the plurality of probe pins 18 are provided and the characteristic inspection of the terminal 3a corresponding to the connector 3 is performed at the same time has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of coaxial cables 6 and probe pins 18 may be different from those in embodiments 1 and 2 depending on the number of terminals 3a to be subjected to characteristic inspection in the connector 3. The connector 3 is not limited to a multipolar connector having a plurality of terminals 3a, and may be a single-pole connector having only one terminal.

In embodiments 1 and 2, the case where the connector 3 is guided in the recess 17 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, any fitting method may be adopted, such as providing a protrusion instead of the recess 17, inserting the protrusion into a gap provided in the connector 3, and fitting the connector 3.

In embodiments 1 and 2, as described with reference to fig. 4, the following is explained: in the concave portion 17, the first side wall 36 extends vertically with respect to the bottom wall 34, and the second side wall 38 is an inclined surface inclined so as to become narrower toward the inside. For example, the inclined surface of the second side wall 38 may not be provided. Even in such a case, the connector 3 can be arranged at a predetermined measurement position of the recess 17, and the characteristic inspection of the terminal 3a can be performed.

In embodiment 1, the case where the elastic coefficient k1 of the first elastic body 10 is set to be larger than the elastic coefficient k2 of the second elastic body has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. As long as the elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 is smaller than the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12, the elastic coefficient k1 of the first elastic body 10 and the elastic coefficient k2 of the second elastic body may be set to any values. The same applies to embodiment 2.

In embodiment 1, the case where the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are springs has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and may be any elastic body other than springs. However, if the spring is used, the spring load and the length can be easily adjusted, and thus the degree of freedom in design is high. Further, since the sliding distance can be increased as compared with the elastic rubber, the stroke associated with the sliding of the entire housing 9 can be extended. The same applies to embodiment 2.

In embodiment 1, the following is explained: the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 are compressed to be shorter than the respective natural lengths in a state before the connector 3 is disposed in the recess 17 of the second plunger 16, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 may be in a state where each of the first elastic body 10 and the second elastic body 12 is not compressed in its natural length, as long as the elastic force F1 of the first elastic body 10 is smaller than the elastic force F2 of the second elastic body 12. The same applies to embodiment 2.

The present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but various modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. Further, combinations of elements and changes in the order of the elements in the embodiments can be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

In addition, by appropriately combining any of the various embodiments 1 and 2 and the modifications described above or the modifications, the respective effects can be obtained.

Industrial applicability of the invention

The present invention can be applied to any probe that performs characteristic inspection of a connector.

Description of the reference numerals

2 … probe; 3 … connector; 3a … terminal; 4 … plunger; 6 … coaxial cable; 8 … flanges; 9 … a housing; 10 … a first elastomer; 12 … a second elastomer; 13 … test connectors; 14 … a first plunger; 14a … divider wall; 14B … inboard projection; 14C … outboard projection; 16 … a second plunger; 16a … fitting portion; a 16B … connection; 17 … recess; 18 … probe pins; 20 … through holes; 21 … a tip portion; 22 … base end portion; 23 … third plunger; 24 … cylindrical portion; 26 … a substrate; 27 … resin; 28 … opening part; 32 … bottom; 34 … bottom wall; 36 … first side wall; 38 … second side wall; a 40 … probe; 42 … a first elastomer; 44 … a second elastomer; 46 … a first plunger; 46a … dividing wall; 46B … outboard projection; 46C … inboard projection; 48 … outer shell; k1, k2, k3, k4 … coefficients of elasticity; x1, x2, x3, x4 … shrinkage; f1, F2, F3 and F4 …; fp … external force.

Claims

1. A probe for inspecting characteristics of a connector, comprising:

a flange having a through hole;

a housing having a base end portion as one end portion and a tip end portion as the other end portion, the housing being inserted through the through hole of the flange and enclosing the coaxial cable to extend in the axial direction, the base end portion being capable of fitting into the through hole;

a first plunger attached to the distal end portion side of the housing with respect to the through hole;

a first elastic body which is attached between the first plunger and the flange and can urge the first plunger and the flange in a direction away from each other;

a second plunger attached to the distal end portion of the housing and held in a state of being relatively movable with respect to the first plunger; and

a second elastic body that is attached between the second plunger and the first plunger and can urge the second plunger in a direction away from the first plunger,

an opening portion through which a probe pin electrically connected to the coaxial cable passes is formed at a bottom portion of the second plunger,

the second plunger is movable between a first position at which the distal end of the probe pin protrudes from the opening and a second position at which the distal end of the probe pin is disposed closer to the base end than the opening,

the first elastic body and the second elastic body are configured to partially overlap each other in the axial direction of the housing, and the first plunger has a partition wall that partitions a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap.

2. The probe according to claim 1, wherein,

the first elastic body is disposed inside the second elastic body at a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap.

3. The probe according to claim 2, wherein,

the first plunger has:

an inner protruding portion protruding inward from the partition wall and receiving the first elastic body; and

an outer protrusion protruding outward from the partition wall and receiving the second elastic body,

the inner protruding portion is provided closer to the distal end portion of the housing than the outer protruding portion.

4. The probe according to claim 1, wherein,

the first elastic body is disposed outside the second elastic body at a portion where the first elastic body and the second elastic body overlap.

5. The probe according to claim 4,

the first plunger has:

an outer protrusion protruding outward from the partition wall and receiving the first elastic body; and

an inner protruding portion protruding inward from the partition wall and receiving the second elastic body,

the inner protruding portion is provided closer to the base end portion of the housing than the outer protruding portion.

6. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

in a state before the connector is brought into contact with the bottom portion of the second plunger, a length of overlap of the first elastic body and the second elastic body in the axial direction is set to be longer than a length of the second elastic body in the axial direction that does not overlap the first elastic body.

7. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

in a state before the connector is brought into contact with the bottom portion of the second plunger, a length of overlap of the first elastic body and the second elastic body in the axial direction is equal to or greater than 1/3 of a length of the first elastic body and equal to or greater than 1/3 of a length of the second elastic body.

8. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

in a state before the connector is brought into contact with the bottom of the second plunger, the second plunger is in the second position, and is set so that an elastic force of the first elastic body is smaller than an elastic force of the second elastic body.

9. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the elastic modulus of the first elastic body is set to be larger than the elastic modulus of the second elastic body.

10. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the first elastic body and the second elastic body are both springs.

11. The probe according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the first elastic body and the second elastic body are compressed to be shorter than respective natural lengths in a state where the second plunger is at the second position.